Umbrella carrier with extension strap

ABSTRACT

An umbrella carrier comprising a sheath shaped for receiving an umbrella. The sheath is formed of flexible material. The sheath extends from an open proximal end to a distal end. A receiver is fixed at the distal end of the sheath. The receiver is formed of plastic material and is shaped to receive a distal tip of the umbrella. A seal is seated in the receiver and adapted to engage the distal tip of the umbrella to seal against the distal tip and prevent water from draining out of the carrier when the umbrella is in position in the carrier.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/267,549 filed on Oct. 6, 2011, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/390,666, filed on Oct. 7,2010, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated byreference. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.Design Patent Application No. 29/404,766 filed on Oct. 25, 2011, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an umbrella carrier for anumbrella. The carrier is used to stow and transport an umbrella when notin use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrellas have been used for decades to protect people from water duringrainfall. Umbrellas typically include a handle and a tube or shaftextending from the handle to a distal end. A frame of struts and/or ribsis attached to the tube at the distal end, spaced from the handle. Acover is supported by the frame. The cover expands or collapses with theframe when the umbrella is opened or closed by a user, either manuallyor by an actuation mechanism. When opened and raised over the user'shead, the cover protects the user from getting wet.

One of the inconveniences posed by using an umbrella is finding a simplemanner in which to carry the umbrella when not in use. Umbrella carriersare known for holding and transporting umbrellas. One such carrier isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,807 to Jackson.

Jackson discloses an umbrella carrier comprising a tubular sheath and asingle strap to carry the sheath on a user's shoulder. The tubularsheath is formed of inner and outer sleeves and a stiffening layerplaced between the inner and outer sleeves. The inner and outer sleevesare formed of vinyl or vinyl-like material, while the stiffening layermay be made of fabric. A bottom is stitched to the outer sleeve. Agrommet defines a drain hole in the bottom. When a wet umbrella isplaced in the carrier, water can leak out of the carrier through thedrain hole. As a result, the user must be careful to direct the bottomof the carrier away from his or her clothes to keep them from gettingwet.

Other prior art umbrellas utilize flimsy bags in which to place the wetumbrella after use. However, the umbrellas are sometimes difficult toplace in the bags because of the lack of any structure to prevent thebag from folding over on itself. The bags are also fully enclosedwithout any vents so that a wet umbrella causes the bag to stay wet forprolonged periods of time. There is a need in the art for an umbrellacarrier that can overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of prior artumbrella carriers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an umbrella carrier for an umbrella. Thecarrier comprises a sheath having an open proximal end for receiving theumbrella. The sheath extends from the open proximal end to a distal end.The sheath is formed of flexible material. A carrying strap is attachedto the sheath to carry the sheath on a shoulder of a user. A receiver isattached to the distal end of the sheath. The receiver is at leastpartially covered by the sheath. The receiver defines an opening and athroughbore. The receiver tapers inwardly between the opening and thethroughbore to facilitate sliding of the distal tip of the umbrellathrough the opening and into the throughbore. An annular seal is seatedin the receiver. The seal has a sealing surface configured to engage andseal against the distal tip of the umbrella when the distal tip slidesinto the throughbore to prevent water leakage out of the receiver.

In some embodiments a plurality of spaced apart eyelets are mounted tothe sheath between the open proximal end and the distal end. The eyeletsdefine aeration ports through the sheath to facilitate drying of thecarrier when the umbrella is removed from the bag.

In yet other embodiments, the carrier includes an extension strap. Theextension strap effectively lengthens the carrying strap so that thecarrying strap can be used across the back of the user or with tallerusers.

The carrier of the present invention solves many of the deficiencies ofthe prior art. For instance, the carrier provides a mechanism in whichwater is prevented from leaking out of the carrier, while at the sametime managing the water contained in the carrier. When the distal tip ofthe umbrella is sealed in the throughbore water collects in the receiveruntil the distal tip of the umbrella is removed. Upon removal, the waterdrains from the receiver. The aeration ports also act to manage thewater that would be otherwise trapped in the carrier when a wet umbrellais stowed therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an umbrella carrier with anextension strap;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the umbrella carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial rear perspective view of the umbrella carrier ofFIG. 1 showing a receiver and stiffener;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 inFIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a seal;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the seal of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C illustrates a tip of an umbrella engaging the seal of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 5-5 inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a user carrying the umbrella carrier ofFIGS. 1-5 using a strap;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an alternative umbrella carrier comprisingall of the same components as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and attached to abackpack using connectors or fasteners; and

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a user carrying the umbrella carrier ofFIGS. 1-5 using an extension strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, an umbrella carrierfor holding and transporting an umbrella 8 is generally shown at 10 inFIGS. 1 and 2. The user can stow and transport the umbrella 8 in thecarrier 10 when the umbrella 8 is wet. The carrier 10 manages waterreceived therein from the wet umbrella to reduce any potential for theuser to get wet.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier 10 comprises a sheath 32 havingan open proximal end 34 for receiving the umbrella 8. The sheath 32extends from the proximal end 34 to a distal end 36. The sheath has aslight taper from the open proximal end 34 to the distal end 36 anddefines an interior space for holding the umbrella 8. The sheath 32 isdimensioned to snugly hold the umbrella 8 in the interior space when theumbrella 8 is collapsed and placed therein. The sheath 32 acts as abarrier between the umbrella 8 and the user. The sheath 32 is flexible.

A strap 12 is attached to opposing ends of the sheath 32 so that theuser can support the carrier 10 over his or her shoulder for transport.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sheath 32 comprises inner 38, outer 40and intermediate 42 layers of material. The inner 38 and outer 40 layersare formed of flexible and water resistant materials. In someembodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers are formed of nylonmaterials. In further embodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers areformed of ripstop nylon or nylon taffeta (e.g., 70-Denier nylontaffeta). In the embodiment shown the inner layer 38 is formed of 100%nylon and the outer layer 40 is formed of polyurethane (PU). In otherembodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers are formed of vinyl orvinyl-like material.

The intermediate (or middle) layer 42 is formed of a polymer blendedmaterial or fabric. The intermediate layer 42 is less flexible than theinner 38 and outer 40 layers in some embodiments. The intermediate layer42 is configured to increase the stiffness of the sheath 32, while stillmaintaining flexibility. The intermediate layer 42 has a higher porosity(pores per square inch) than the inner 38 and outer 40 layers.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, retaining rings 14, 16 are attached tothe sheath 32. The rings 14, 16, also referred to as D-rings, areattached to fabric loops (not separately numbered) sewn into the sheath32. The rings 14, 16 are spaced from one another on opposing ends of thecarrier 10. The rings 14, 16 receive the strap 12, as shown.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap 12 is formed of two flexible strapsections 12 a, 12 b, but could similarly be formed of a single strapsection. Each of the strap sections 12 a, 12 b comprises a first end 18a, 18 b fixed to an adjustment ring 20 a, 20 b (used to adjust thelength of the strap section 12 a, 12 b) and a second end 22 a, 22 bfixed to a buckle part 24 a, 24 b. The buckle parts 24 a, 24 b areconfigured to interlock in a conventional snap-fit and releasable mannerto form a continuous strap. FIG. 6 shows a user supporting the carrier10 over their shoulder using the strap 12. Additionally, a belt loop 26is fixed to the carrier 10 (such as by being sewn to the sheath 32). Thebelt loop 26 enables a user to mount the carrier 10 to a belt (notshown).

An extension strap 120 is used to effectively lengthen the strap 12 ifneeded. FIG. 8 shows a user supporting the carrier 10 over theirshoulder using the strap 12 with the extension strap 120.

The extension strap 120 has a flexible extension strap section 122. Theextension strap section 122 has a first end 118 a fixed to an adjustmentring 126 (used to adjust the length of the extension strap section 122)and a second end 118 b fixed to a buckle part 124 b. With the extensionstrap 120, the strap 12 has three, separately adjustable strap sections12 a, 12 b, 122 that can be used to adjust a length of the strap 12.

The buckle part 124 b is configured to interlock with the buckle part 24a in the same conventional snap-fit and releasable manner as the buckleparts 24 b, 24 a. The extension strap section 122 loops through a secondbuckle part 124 a. The second buckle part 124 a is configured tointerlock with the buckle part 24 b in the same conventional snap-fitand releasable manner to form a continuous strap 12 lengthened by theextension strap 120.

The second buckle part 124 a has a body (not separately numbered).Flexible detent members 125 a, 125 b extend forward from the body in adirection opposite the extension strap section 122. The flexible detentmembers 125 a, 125 b are configured to snap-fit into cut-outs 123 a, 123b in the buckle part 24 b. The flexible detent members 125 a, 125 bslide into a slot 29 in the buckle part 24 b which flexes the flexibledetent members 125 a, 125 b initially inwardly. When the flexible detentmembers 125 a, 125 b reach the cut-outs 123 a, 123 b, they flexoutwardly and are releasably locked in position, as shown in FIG. 8.

Arms 127 a, 127 b extend rearward from the body toward the extensionstrap section 122. A bar 129 interconnects distal ends of the arms 127a, 127 b. An opening (not separately numbered) is bounded by the bar129, the arms 127 a, 127 b, and the body of the buckle part 124 a. Thebuckle part 24 a could have the same configuration. The extension strapsection 122 slidably loops through the opening around a middle bar 131and back to the adjustment ring 126. Thus, the extension strap section122 is slidably coupled to the buckle part 124 a.

The ends 118 a, 118 b of the extension strap section 122 can be fixed tothe adjustment ring 126 and the buckle part 124 b by adhesive,stitching, or other methods well known in the art. For instance, theadjustment ring 126 and buckle part 124 b may each define an opening(not separately numbered) with a middle bar (not separately numbered)passing through the opening. In this case, the ends 118 a, 118 b passthrough the opening, wrap over the middle bar, and are stitched back tothe extension strap section 122 to form a small loop around the middlebar at the ends 118 a, 118 b as is well known in the art.

The buckle parts 24 a, 24 b, 124 a, 124 b, the adjustment rings 20 a, 20b, 126, and the D-rings 14, 16 could be formed of plastic or metal. Theflexible strap sections 12 a, 12 b, 122 may be formed of fabric or othersuitable material.

A collar 43 is attached to the layers 38, 40, 42 at the proximal end 34to hold the layers 38, 40, 42 together. The layers 38, 40, 42 couldadditionally be separately sewn together at the proximal end 34. Thecollar 43 stiffens the proximal end 34 to reinforce the opening thatreceives the umbrella 8. The collar 43 has an aesthetically pleasingappearance and may be formed of leather.

Referring to FIG. 4, the collar 43 is folded over the layers 38, 40, 42and sewn or glued thereto (not shown). The collar 43 defines an interiorcircumferential passage 45. A shaping ring 47 of plastic material isdisposed in the passage 45. The ring 47 is secured in place in thepassage 45 between the collar 43 and the layers 38, 40, 42. The ring 47extends about the entire circumference of the collar 43. The ring 47 isannular. In some embodiments, the ring 47 has a predefined circularshape in a normal unbiased state. In yet other embodiments, the ring hasa predefined oval or elliptical shape in a normal unbiased state. Thering 47 acts to maintain the collar 43 in the predefined shape tomaintain the opening for the umbrella 8 and facilitate insertion of theumbrella 8. In some embodiments, the ring 47 is formed of metal wire.

A receiver 44 is fixed to the distal end 36 of the sheath 32. The layers38, 40, 42, are secured to each other and to the receiver 44 with anadhesive A. The adhesive A could be any adhesive suitable for fixing thesheath 32 to the receiver 44. The receiver 44 is generally circular inhorizontal cross-section (see FIG. 5). The receiver 44 accepts a distalend of the umbrella 8, including the distal tip T, when the umbrella 8is placed in the carrier 10. The receiver 44 is formed of two piecesfixed together, including a cap 48 and a body 50. In other embodimentsthe receiver 44 could be one piece.

The body 50 defines a cavity 54 with a first open end 56 (defines anopening) shaped to receive the distal tip T of the umbrella 8. Thecavity 54 tapers inwardly between the first open end 56 and athrough-bore 58. The tapering of the cavity 54 (or the wall 79 definingthe cavity 54) facilitates sliding of the distal tip T of the umbrella 8toward the through-bore 58. This tapering is linear (in a frustoconicalmanner) between the first open end 56 and the through-bore 58, as shown.In other embodiments, the tapering could be arcuate in shape, or othershapes, or could have a stepped geometry. Also, the taper may not beginuntil a position spaced from the first open end 56, as shown in FIG. 4.In this case, the taper is between the first open end 56 and thethrough-bore 58, but only along a portion of the distance between thefirst open end 56 and the through-bore 58.

The through-bore 58 of the body 50 opens into a larger diameter bore 60.An inner annular mating wall 65 defines the bore 60. The inner annularmating wall 65 protrudes distally and terminates to form a distal end ofthe body 50. An outer annular mating wall 64 also protrudes distally butterminates proximal to the distal end of the body 50. The inner annularmating wall 65 has an outer diameter that is smaller than an outerdiameter of the outer annular mating wall 64. The inner annular matingwall 65 is spaced radially inward from the outer annular mating wall 64.

The cap 48 has an annular outer mating recess 66 that is sized andconfigured for snug mating reception of the outer annular mating wall 64of the body 50. The cap 48 has a second through-bore 68 withsubstantially the same diameter as the through-bore 58 in the body 50,i.e., both are sized and configured to receive the distal tip T of theumbrella 8. The through-bores 58, 68 are generally circular inhorizontal cross-section (see FIG. 5).

A third annular mating wall 72 is formed about the second through-bore68. The third annular mating wall 72 has a recessed portion (notseparately numbered) with a diameter that is greater than a diameter ofthe second through-bore 68 to define a seal bore 73. The third annularmating wall 72 of the cap 48 fits snugly in the bore 60 of the body 50when the cap 48 and body 50 mate. In some cases, there may be a slightinterference fit between the third annular mating wall 72 and the innerannular mating wall 65 of the body 50. The cap 48 is secured to the body50 with adhesive A. The walls 64, 65, 72 and bores 60, 73 are generallycircular in horizontal cross-section.

The cap 48 and body 50 are formed of a rigid plastic material. The cap48 and body 50 are injection molded. The cap 48 and body 50 may beformed of high density polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, and thelike. The cap 48 and body 50 are more rigid than the sheath 32 to addrigidity and durability to the carrier 10 overall. The body 50 has agenerally frusto-conical outer surface 52. The cap 48 has a generallycylindrical outer surface 70. The sheath 32 is adhered to the outersurface 70 with the adhesive A. The sheath 32 is tightly wrapped aboutthe outer surface 52 of the body 50 and the outer surface 70 of the cap48 to at least partially cover the receiver 44. In the embodiment shown,a portion of the cap 48 is exposed below the distal end 36 of the sheath32. The receiver 44 partially closes the distal end 36 of the sheath 32.

A seal 74 is seated in the seal bore 73 of the receiver 44. The seal 74engages and secures the distal tip T of the umbrella 8 in the receiver44. The seal 74 acts to seal against the distal tip T and prevent waterfrom draining or dripping out of the second through-bore 68 when theumbrella 8 is in position in the carrier 10. As a result, the user doesnot get wet from water dripping out of the carrier 10. Instead, thecarrier 10 contains the water until the user pulls the umbrella 8 fromthe seal 74. The seal 74 is annular and more specifically circular.

In some embodiments, the seal 74 is formed of nitrile rubber (NBR) witha Shore A hardness of 90 (ASTM D2240). In other embodiments, the seal isa plastic washer. The seal 74 may be formed of a durable plasticmaterial capable of withstanding repeated exposure to wet and dryconditions without cracking, or otherwise prematurely deteriorating. Theseal may be formed of waterproof plastic material.

The seal 74 is captured between the cap 48 and the body 50 of thereceiver 44. The seal 74 is held in position in the seal bore 73 betweenthe third annular wall 72 of the cap 48 and the wall 79 of the body 50.The wall 79 protrudes radially inwardly over the seal bore 73 to form anupper abutment for the seal 74. The abutment prevents the seal 74 frombeing pulled out of the seal bore 73 when the umbrella 8 is withdrawnfrom sealing engagement with the seal 74. The seal 74 has a sealingsurface with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the through-bore 58to engage the tip T of the umbrella 8 (see FIGS. 4B, 4C and 5).

Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the seal 74 is generally U-shaped incross-section. The seal 74 has a flexible lip 75 that flexes radiallyoutwardly when the tip T of the umbrella 8 is inserted therein (FIG.4C). In other words, the lip 75 forms an interference fit with the tip Tof the umbrella 8. When the tip T of the umbrella 8 is removed, the lip75 flexes back to its normal position (FIG. 4B). The seal 74 ispositioned in the seal bore 73 with the U-shape facing downwardly towardthe cap 48. In other embodiments, the seal could be an o-ring. The sealhas an inner diameter of from 0.1 inches to 1.0 inches, more preferablyfrom 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches, and most preferably from 0.2 inches to0.5 inches.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3 through 5, a stiffener 80 (orstiffening rod) extends along the sheath 32 from the proximal 34 to thedistal 36 ends. The stiffener 80 adds pliability to the sheath 32. Thestiffener 80 extends at least 60% and more preferably at least 80% ofthe length of the sheath 32. Most preferably, the stiffener 80 extendsat least 90% of the length of the sheath 32. The stiffener 80 iselongate in shape, more-specially rod-shaped with a circularcross-section. The stiffener 80 is formed of plastic material such asfiberglass, or metal. The stiffener 80 has a cross-sectional diameter ofless than 0.5 inches, preferably less than 0.25 inches, more preferablybetween 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches, and most preferably between 0.05inches and 0.25 inches. In cases where the stiffener has a non-circularcross-section, the largest cross-sectional dimension falls within thesame ranges given.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the stiffener 80 is disposed in an innerelongate pocket 82 formed between the layers 38, 40, 42 and a narrowstrip of material 81. The strip of material 81 may extend the length ofthe layers 38, 40, 42 and may be formed of the same or similar materialsas that of any of the layers 38, 40, 42. The layers 38, 40, 42 are sewntogether along their length as shown in FIG. 5, along with the strip 81,to form the elongate pocket 82. The top of FIG. 4 shows the sheath 32cross-sectioned along the seam in which the layers 38, 40, 42 are bentinwardly along their edges and sewn together (see FIG. 5). As a result,only the bent edge of the outer layer 40 is shown next to the stiffener80.

The body 50 has a generally rectangular groove 53 defined therein. Apartial length of the stiffener 80 is located in the groove 53 in thebody 50 of the receiver 44 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. This partiallength of the stiffener 80 may be fixed in the groove 53, with orwithout the strip 81, by the adhesive A. Alternatively, the stiffener 80may be integrally molded with the body 50. The groove 53 has a widththat is dimensioned to orient the stiffener 80 in a desired longitudinalplacement.

The collar 43 acts as a proximal stop for the stiffener 80 at theproximal end 34. A distal shoulder 87 of the receiver 44 is formed atthe end of the groove 53. The distal shoulder 87 provides a lowerabutment for the opposing end of the stiffener 80. Alternatively, thestiffener 80 could be fixed to the strip 81 in the elongate pocket 82with adhesive. The stiffener 80 is sized such that it maintainsflexibility while at the same time helping to stiffen the sheath 32. Thestiffener 80 keeps the sheath 32 in a generally cylindrical shape(includes slight taper) to ease placement of the umbrella 8 in thesheath 32. With the stiffener 80 in place, the carrier 10 can be bent orpartially folded, but still return to its normal generally cylindricalshape.

A distal collar 49 is sewn to the layers 38, 40, 42. The distal collar49 and layers 38, 40, 42 are attached to the receiver 44 with theadhesive A, as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a plurality of eyelets 86 are mounted to thesheath 32 through the layers 38, 40, 42 to form aeration ports 88through the layers 38, 40, 42. The eyelets 86 are formed of metal withelectroplating AZO free Silver. The aeration ports 88 are disposed alongthe length of the carrier 10 and are spaced from the ends of the carrier10 to provide aeration inside the sheath 32. The aeration ports 88 areintended to facilitate drying inside the carrier 10 when the umbrella 8is removed (such as after the umbrella 8 is placed in the carrier 10 ina wet condition). The aeration ports 88 also act, although to a lesserdegree, to facilitate drying of the umbrella 8 when placed in a wetcondition in the carrier 10. The aeration ports 88 have a diameter of atleast 0.1 inches, preferably at least 0.2 inches, more preferablybetween 0.2 inches and 2.0 inches, and most preferably between 0.3inches and 1.0 inches.

An alternative embodiment of the carrier is shown in FIG. 7 and isnumbered 100. However, the carrier 100 has all the same features as thecarrier 10 except the carrier 100 has a pair of straps 112 a, 112 b thatmount the carrier 100 to a backpack 200. The straps 112 a, 112 b can besewn into the sheath 32 and have hook and loop fasteners (not shown)that mate with similar fasteners on the backpack 200. Alternatively, thestraps 112 a, 112 b can simply have mounting hooks or clasps (not shown)that hook into loops (not shown) on the backpack 200. As a furtheralternative, the straps 112 a, 112 b can have buckle parts that matewith corresponding buckle parts on the backpack similar to the buckleparts 24 a, 24 b.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above description. While this description isdirected to particular embodiments, it is understood that those skilledin the art may conceive of modifications and/or variations to thespecific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modificationsor variations, which fall within the purview of this description, areintended to be included herein as well. It is understood that thedescription herein is intended to be illustrative only and is notintended to be limited.

1. An umbrella carrier for an umbrella having a distal tip, saidumbrella carrier comprising: a sheath having an open proximal end forreceiving the umbrella and extending from said open proximal end to adistal end, said sheath being formed of flexible material; a carryingstrap attached to said sheath for carrying said sheath on a shoulder ofa user, said carrying strap including at least two separately adjustablestrap sections; a receiver formed of plastic material attached to saiddistal end of said sheath and at least partially covered by said sheath,said receiver defining an opening and a throughbore wherein saidreceiver tapers radially inwardly between said opening and saidthroughbore to facilitate sliding of the distal tip of the umbrellathrough said opening and into said throughbore; an annular seal seatedin said receiver and having a sealing surface configured to engage andseal against the distal tip of the umbrella when the distal tip slidesinto said throughbore to prevent water leakage out of said receiver suchthat water is contained within said carrier until the user pulls thedistal tip of the umbrella from said carrier thereby opening saidthroughbore and allowing the water to drain therethrough; and aplurality of spaced apart eyelets mounted to said sheath between saidopen proximal end and said distal end to define aeration ports throughsaid sheath, said aeration ports configured to facilitate drying of saidsheath after the umbrella is removed from said sheath.
 2. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a stiffening rod thatextends along said sheath from said proximal end to said distal end. 3.An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said stiffening rodextends at least 80 percent of a length of said sheath.
 4. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said stiffening rod is elongatein shape and is formed of plastic material.
 5. An umbrella carrier asset forth in claim 2 wherein said sheath is formed of a plurality oflayers of material and said stiffening rod is positioned between two ofsaid plurality of layers of material.
 6. An umbrella carrier as setforth in claim 2 wherein said stiffening rod is mounted to saidreceiver.
 7. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidreceiver includes a body and a cap mounted to said body, said seal beingcaptured between said body and said cap.
 8. An umbrella carrier as setforth in claim 7 wherein said body has a first mating feature and saidcap has a second mating feature for mating with said first matingfeature to secure said cap to said body.
 9. An umbrella carrier as setforth in claim 1 wherein said receiver is formed of a rigid plasticmaterial.
 10. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidsheath comprises an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediatelayer disposed between said inner and outer layers.
 11. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 10 wherein said outer layer is formed ofpolyurethane.
 12. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 10 whereinsaid inner layer is formed of nylon.
 13. An umbrella carrier as setforth in claim 10 wherein said intermediate layer is formed of a blendedpolymeric material.
 14. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1wherein said sheath further includes a collar disposed about said openproximal end.
 15. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 14 furtherincluding a ring reinforcing said collar.
 16. An umbrella carrier as setforth in claim 1 wherein said receiver has an outer surface partiallycovered by said sheath and partially exposed beyond said distal end ofsaid sheath.
 17. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid seal has an inner diameter of from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.
 18. Anumbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said aerationports has a diameter of from 0.2 inches to 2.0 inches.
 19. An umbrellacarrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carrying strap includesthree separately adjustable strap sections.
 20. An umbrella carrier asset forth in claim 1 wherein said carrying strap includes first andsecond strap sections and a separate extension strap for interconnectingsaid first and second strap sections.